Bronchiolitis Obliterans and IgA Nephropathy

Abstract

IgA nephropathy is a common form of glomerulonephritis, classically manifested by asymptomatic hematuria. Although the exact pathophysiologic mechanism is still unknown, renal damage has been related to mesangial deposition of IgA-containing immune complexes. In recent years, some lung diseases have been associated with IgA nephropathy, including pulmonary hemorrhage and sarcoidosis. We report a patient with idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans who developed a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis due to IgA deposits. Extensive deposits of IgA were also found in the lungs, thus suggesting a pathogenetic role for IgA in tissue injury at both organ levels. To our knowledge this association has not been previously described in the literature.

Pulmonary hemorrhage with hematuria: do not forget IgA nephropathy

“…Other lung diseases associated with IgA nephropathy include idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) [ 15 , 16 ], IgA immune complex-mediated pneumonitis [ 17 ], pulmonary tuberculosis [ 18 ] and bronchiolitis obliterans [ 19 ]. Though pulmonary hemorrhage can be a rare manifestation of IgA nephropathy, if it is not recognized, it can run a rapidly fatal course.…”